Introduction to European Barge Cruising
European Waterways is all about bringing the uniqueness and intimacy of barge cruising to your Europe vacation. Explore the continent’s most picturesque and historic river regions. Sail through France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and more, discovering the unique stories and flavours of each area as you embark on a journey that combines comfort, cuisine, and culture.
Barge cruising differs to other styles of cruising. Small passenger numbers allow a very high level of personalized service. It’s even possible to charter an entire vessel for your family or friends if desired. Even if you’re sailing with strangers, you won’t stay that way for long, with a ‘house party’ atmosphere ideal for making new friends. If you do need to escape for some fresh air, the ship typically sails at just 3mph, an ideal speed if you’d like to get out and bike along the riverbank. These smaller vessels also have access to narrower waterways, allowing passengers to access routes off limits to larger boats. Imagine passing under centuries-old stone bridges as you admire the surrounding hills, towns, and vineyards.
Of course, it would be cruel to take passengers so close to shore without giving them the chance to explore. To that end, you can enjoy a wide variety of land excursions led by a crew member, deckhand, tour guide, or possibly even the captain of your ship. In any case, you can be sure of a keen local insight and entertaining stories to really bring out the character of each region.
Then, there are the flavours. Many of Europe’s waterways are world class wine producing regions, so sampling the local wine and produce is a must. European Waterways has this well in hand. Expect onboard meals to be an unforgettable part of your Europe vacation, showcasing each region’s unique flavours with a distinctly European flair. Enjoy lunch on the sun deck, and dinner by candlelight each night, all served with matching wines.
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